Get to know the person behind the ideas
My name is Renato Kessi, and I’ve turned my passion for design and innovation into my profession. With over a decade of experience in design, brand management, and innovation consulting, I help businesses bring their ideas to life.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various creative and strategic roles from developing Hyperloop prototypes to projects in automotive and brand management. These diverse experiences have shown me the power of innovative thinking when paired with practical solutions.
here’s the journey that shaped my expertise
OVER THE PAST YEARS,
I have built broad experience at the intersection of design, innovation, and transformation. As Creative Director at ETH Zurich, I helped shape the Student Project House and developed innovation structures that enable teams to turn ideas into reality. At Vitra, I led the Artek product development team, gaining deep experience in creating products from concept to market, while also establishing innovation processes and structures within the company. Working with ON Shoes, I designed innovative retail and POS concepts that connected product and brand experience. Earlier collaborations with BMW Design, as well as my role as co-founder of Swissloop and Creative Director at AMZ Racing, reflect my passion for visionary concepts and future-driven technologies.
For my clients, this unique mix of experiences means I can combine creative design expertise, hands-on product development, and strategic innovation management. I help organizations identify opportunities, transform ideas into prototypes, and implement sustainable innovation structures – always with the goal of delivering solutions that are visionary, tangible, and impactful.
These are some of the companies where I was able to develop and refine my design and innovation skills.
About me
I am a trained carpenter with several years of professional experience in woodworking. This background still shapes my approach as a designer and innovator today. I know how to build things, from the initial idea to the finished product. Craftsmanship has also become one of my greatest hobbies: at the moment, I am renovating an old alpine house using traditional methods and materials.
I studied Interior Architecture at the Higher Technical School and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design at FHNW Basel. This dual background allows me not only to create and shape ideas, but also to plan them in detail. For my designs, I develop precise drawings and production plans that bridge the gap between concept and realization.
With my experience as a project leader and team manager, I am able to guide projects from the very beginning through to successful completion. I combine strategic oversight with hands-on involvement, ensuring that ideas are not only developed but also implemented effectively.